World Population Day, marked annually on 11 July, seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. It was established by the then-Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, and was first marked on 11 July 1990 in more than 90 countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a critical role in addressing various aspects of population health globally, including reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, health equity, women's health and more. In our South-East Asia region, the WHO's initiatives are particularly significant due to the diverse health challenges faced by the population.
As the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, reminds us, “It is outrageous that well into the 21st century, around 800 women die needlessly every day in pregnancy and childbirth – the vast majority in developing countries. And in some places, legislative advances in tackling vital issues such as female genital mutilation risk going into reverse.”
Women form the backbone of societies by nurturing families, driving economies, and shaping the future. By empowering women with access to education, healthcare, and economic resources, we pave the way for a brighter future for all. Reproductive health and rights stand as the foundation of women's empowerment. Access to comprehensive reproductive health services safeguards individual health and contributes to broader societal well-being. When women can make informed choices about their bodies and reproduction, they are better positioned to pursue education, careers, and fulfill their aspirations. Empowering the health and wellbeing of women is a strategic imperative for sustainable development, and a matter of morality. By investing in women’s health, from the girl child to the elderly, we invest in the prosperity of nations.
The wellbeing of our children reflects the society we have built and the values we uphold. Each child deserves a childhood free from fear, abuse, and neglect. Violence against children knows no borders, affecting urban and rural areas alike, and cutting across socio-economic divides. Preventing violence against children, especially girls, is an urgent call towards a safer and more equitable world. WHO efforts to promote the prevention of violence include health sector responsiveness to recognize the causes of injuries, protection of victims of domestic violence, as well as ensuring that schools and communities are safe places to grow, live, and learn.
A safe environment, in communities, schools, and urban spaces for children, especially the girl child, are important enabling factors for children to engage in physical activities. By promoting safe spaces and ensuring access to healthcare, we can empower our youth to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. We should prioritize creating safe and healthy urban spaces that promote physical activities and foster a sense of community.
On World Population Day 2024, allow me to reiterate that one of my five Strategic Priority areas deals specifically with improving the health of women and children.
Those who traditionally suffer from health inequality, such as girls and women, adolescents and vulnerable populations, are the drivers of sustainable development, and powerful agents of change. Strategic investments in the health of women and girls yield multiplicative and multigenerational benefits beyond health.
Meanwhile investments in adolescent health are essential for promoting healthy socio-economic development, and preventing health risks and problems before their onset. This supports the wellbeing of the youth of today - who are the human capital of tomorrow.
This World Population Day, let us remind ourselves of the task ahead, and recommit to achieving health equity for vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and marginalized communities through a participatory approach addressing health determinants.